Fired shards from selected ancient Anatolian ceramics: a brief review of their mineralogical nature and pedological?microstructural evolution

This review is concerned with some key features observed within grouped samples of ancient ceramics that provide important evidence concerning the selection appropriate raw materials and evolution firing technologies employed in their production. It also demonstrates importance distinguishing accounting for mineralogical microstructural attributes identifying processes responsible these ceramics. The mineralogy largely reflects both nature used maximum temperatures achieved during firing, deduced from presence specific high temperature minerals (HTMs). processes, by micromorphology displayed features, matrix slip ceramics, are controlled methods manufacturing. Thus, we conclude application micromorphological principles, methods, observations derived broad sphere ?pedology? to study provides valuable insights into independent ceramic production societies. most recorded here concern identification make manufacture. Our data demonstrate potters made use a variety temper (quartz chaff, together fragments locally available rocks minerals) now preserved matrix. Furthermore, analyses helpful determining explaining shrinkage (stress coatings or poro-striated b-fabrics) preferred orientation elongated pores have developed after poorly slow-fired furnaces. In this regard, finally seek develop useful library ultimately targeting enhancement simulated ceramic/pottery production, an overall objective apply pedological properties Anatolian researched work globally selected shard specimens. Postburial such as illuviation-deposition clay form coatings, probably operated wet-dry cycles associated mid-late Holocene climatic fluctuations. Accompanying calcification-decalcification which may result intra cramic leaching-deposition carbonate present source material pottery, consistent known mid late pedogenesis (soil formation) episode reflected further attested coeval changes soil-faunal activity.